Varsity Colts Recriminate Chargers 38-26

Article: Frank Gonda; Photo Creds: Vanessa Mandell

Northville saddled back in to the winning side of the stable, with big plays on offense, and ready when needed defense, Sunday against the Commerce Chargers. Commerce started the affair at 10:14 of the 1st, with a 44 yard TD hurl for a 6-0 lead. Colt Cayden Saunders, was the impedimenta that stopped the rushing attempt for the extra point, with a hard tackle for no gain.

Quarterback Nick Lauderback found Brett Rankin and Brett Rudolph for 12 and 16 yards respectively, to set up a Rankin run from the 11 for the score. Steadfast kicker/defensive back/receiver Jake Willerer, made the boot for deuce. 8-6 Colts. The ensuing possession of Commerce, showcased defensive prowess by Northville. Matthew Barnett, Tommy Mandell and Saunders made significant stops on the drive, that set up a pivotal 4th and 1.

Alex Condino expunged all Chargers for the stop, and ownership of the ball on the Colts 39 yard line. Two plays later, Brett Rudolph shook off his defender and Lauderback found him for the ring up, 14-6 Colts. Willerer deftly footed a successful onside kick as Kellen Gonda pounced and enveloped the projectile for Northville possession. This was when Larry (Trey) Brinker, III’s number was called offensively. An already accomplished. Juggernaut on defense, Brinker plowed through, ball in hand, for back to back gains of 11 and 8 yards. This set up a 30 yard keeper to the right for Lauderback, his first rushing score of the day. Willerer again for two, 22-6 Colts.

Alex Ladach, Angelo Mastroianni, and Nolan O’Callaghan made important stops to start the second quarter. This was all Brett Rudolph needed. After taking a Lauderback toss for eight, and a rush for twelve, it was a fling from the four from the QB, Rudolph scores. Touchdown + Kick =30-6 Colts.

The Chargers powered through for a TD and 2 point conversion at 3:29 of the 2nd to bring the tally to 30-14. With time running out and a rather disagreeing 4th and 14, the Colts lined up for a punt. Nay, the Northville Coaches Implored! Lauderback faked the kick and passed to Willerer for the first down. O’Callaghan followed that with a fifteen yard scamper, ball in hand. This set up Lauderback. Nick faked the pass, and half the Commerce squad as he ran in for his second rushing score of the day. TD + Willerer = 38-14. Halftime.

The second half, found a back and forth, give and take, give and go, see saw affair. Declan Byle showed his toughness at Quarterback, shaking off more than one blistering hit that surely would have felled most. Byle had help from Mandell Danny Sheehan and Brinker in the backfield, keeping the ball in Northville’s hands as the clock ticked.

The Chargers managed to score one in the third quarter and one more in the fourth. Brinker III finished his capacious game with a block kick that was worth two points. Heads up play and stand out effort was demonstrated by Parker Ladach, Max Spline and Zack Zakaria. Similar comments were made about Alec Stimach, Noah Lindsey, and Alex Cardenas.